Destination: Krabi, Thailand
Introduction
Krabi Province, on Thailand's Andaman coast roughly 45 nautical miles east of Phuket, is one of the most visually dramatic sailing destinations in the world. The coastline is dominated by vertical limestone karst towers — some several hundred metres tall — rising directly from turquoise water, draped in jungle, and riddled with caves and hidden coves. Ao Nang is the commercial centre, while the legendary Railay Peninsula juts into the sea just to the south, accessible only by boat even by land travellers. Ko Lanta, 25 nm south, offers more relaxed cruising in a long, narrow channel between the island and the mainland. The Phi Phi Islands fall within Krabi Province and are among the most photographed anchorages in Asia. Krabi has limited marina infrastructure compared to Phuket, making it a predominantly anchor-and-explore destination — which for many sailors is its greatest appeal.
GPS Coordinates
8° 5' 10.680"N 98° 54' 22.680"E
8 5 10.680N 98 54 22.680E
Protected Anchorages
Ao Nang anchorage is the main hub, in 4–8 metres over mud with longtail boats providing easy dinghy-free access to the beach and town. The anchorage can be rolly in a southerly swell. Railay Bay East (the calmer, mangrove-fringed side) anchors in 3–6 metres and is a staging point for accessing Railay Beach West via the narrow walking path. Ko Phi Phi Don: Ton Sai Bay is the famous anchorage between the two halves of the island, 4–6 metres over sand, though very busy and ferry wash can be a nuisance; Loh Dalum Bay on the north is better for overnighting. Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai channels offer protected anchorage in 4–10 metres over good holding mud, with the town of Ban Saladan at the north tip. Ko Bubu and Ko Chueak nearby are pristine, uncrowded gems. Ko Hong (Krabi) inside the Trang archipelago to the south offers a spectacular hidden lagoon entered at mid-to-high tide.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Krabi (specifically Ao Nang and Ko Lanta) is within the Thai cruising zone accessible to yachts holding a valid Thai cruising permit obtained at a Port of Entry. The nearest official entry ports are Phuket (45 nm west) and, to the south, Pak Bara near Ko Lipe. Yachts arriving from Malaysia via Ko Lipe should clear at that post before proceeding north. Fuel is available in Ao Nang and Ko Lanta town; provisioning is good at Krabi Town (accessible up the river by dinghy or longtail). Chandlery is limited — bring spares from Phuket.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- Krabi Boat Lagoon (small marina, Krabi Town)
- Ao Nang Yacht Services
Renowned Attractions
- Railay Beach — arguably Thailand's most beautiful beach, inaccessible by road due to surrounding karst cliffs; rock climbing on the towering limestone faces is world-class
- Ko Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Phi Phi Leh's Maya Bay, location of The Beach (2000 film), is periodically closed for reef recovery; Phi Phi Don's Twin Bays viewpoint is a classic climb
- Four Islands tour — Ko Tup, Ko Mor, Ko Chicken, and Poda Island by longtail from Ao Nang, with superb snorkelling and sandbar walking
- Kayaking into Ko Hong lagoon — the hidden emerald lagoon inside Ko Hong (Krabi) is only accessible by kayak at mid-tide, a genuinely magical experience
- Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua) — 1,237 steps to a summit viewpoint over the karst landscape with golden Buddha statues
- Ko Lanta National Park — the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai is a protected park with excellent reef snorkelling and a remote lighthouse walk
- Krabi Night Market — lively local market in Krabi Town, 20 minutes upriver, with outstanding pad thai and seafood at local prices
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Thai Baht
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Krabi's vertical limestone karst towers, hidden lagoons, world-famous Railay Beach, and the Phi Phi Islands make it one of the most visually spectacular cruising grounds in Asia — best explored at anchor, away from the day-tripper crowds that thin out after 4pm.